5 Superstars who will do better after getting released by WWE in 2021

April 15th turned out to be another Black day in WWE history. It was exactly a year after the infamous "Black Wednesday" in 2020, where there was a mass release of WWE employees. From wrestling talent to agents and producers, and your average backstage and office workers, many people lost their jobs on that day.

While it seemingly hasn't been as heavy this year, it still feels like a big blow. When there's a sudden mass release of talent, it can be heartbreaking to see. With that said, stars like Matt Cardona (fka Zack Ryder) revealed that the past year's post-WWE release was a blessing in disguise for him.

From a more positive perspective, the talent being released in 2021 may not find it as difficult to find employment. This year is set to be the one where the independent wrestling scene truly restarts, as well as other companies recovering as well.

Not only that, but just like Cardona/Ryder, the WWE release will turn out to be a blessing in disguise for several of the names who were let go. Here are five superstars who will thrive after getting released by WWE:

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#5 Samoa Joe - The biggest loss for WWE?

There were undoubtedly a few shocking names on the list of WWE releases this year, but none more so than Samoa Joe. His six-year stint with the company came to an untimely end - shortly after he was removed from his commentary duties.

Samoa Joe spent all of WWE's pandemic era as a commentator on Monday Night RAW, and while it was assumed that he was finally cleared for in-ring competition, he was let go.

There seems to have been a small dispute between Samoa Joe and WWE. As you may know, he was ruled out due to concussion-related issues, but after being vocal about wanting to make his in-ring return, he was denied by WWE - as per a report by Fightful Select.

Samoa Joe is still one of the world's best all-round wrestlers, and whether it's AEW, Impact Wrestling, ROH, or even NJPW, we doubt that he will have much trouble finding work. He could have more World Titles waiting for him.

#4 Chelsea Green - Back to being a hot mess post-WWE?

Chelsea Green's WWE run didn't work out as hoped

Chelsea Green had a frustrating run in WWE ever since she signed in 2018. While she got TV time in NXT, her WWE main roster run was an entirely different story.

Her original debut was reportedly going to be on RAW. But after Paul Heyman was fired from his position as the Executive Director of the red brand, the call-up was delayed.

It took months before she made her eventual debut on SmackDown in a Fatal Four-Way match, where she broke her wrist. It was around this time that she signed a contract extension with WWE, but only half a year later, she was released.

It was a bizarre one, especially since she is young and seemed to have a lot of promise. But that doesn't seem to be bothering Chelsea Green too much. Hinting at returning as The Hot Mess to IMPACT Wrestling, Green will thrive wherever she goes post-WWE.

She has a good level of star power about her that WWE simply didn't utilize or recognize.

#3 Billie Kay - Another shocking release by WWE

For some reason, WWE decided last year that it would be a good idea to split up The IIconics. The saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't apply in the company. Despite being on the "worse end" of the break-up, Billie Kay made the most out of it.

Kay was always one of WWE's best comedic characters, but she took it to another level while being on her own. It wasn't an easy position to be in, so the fact that she was able to become as entertaining as she did speaks volumes about her talent.

Billie Kay may not be the superstar that WWE or other promotions see as a top Women's Champion, but she doesn't need to be. Everybody has their role on the roster, and there's no shame in the fact that she's good at what she does and can entertain millions across the world.

Any promotion would be lucky to have her, so it wouldn't be surprising if post-July 14th (when the Non-compete clause ends), Billie Kay gets snapped by another company.

#2 Mojo Rawley - A talent who can thrive outside of WWE?

Mojo Rawley is a name that has flown under the radar in WWE for years now. While 2017 was seemingly his last good year, it comes as a surprise to some that he managed to last in the company.

His tenure lasted eight years, and although there wasn't much to note, he did have a WrestleMania moment when he won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal thanks to his real-life friend Rob Gronkowski.

There seemed to be a time when WWE was intent on pushing him - especially after they broke up The Hype Bros. But that was never meant to be, and Mojo Rawley spent the last few years in creative limbo.

It's a bad position to be in, but if he continues his professional wrestling career, he can thrive outside of WWE.

He may not be a World Championship-level talent, but not everybody needs to be. As long as he has a good and satisfying career that pays him well, then that's all that matters.

#1 Peyton Royce - The biggest loss to WWE's Women's division

Here's what we don't understand about WWE splitting up The IIconics. Firstly, it happened in a match with no prior storyline, nor was there any tension or reason given.

Secondly, even after WWE broke up The IIconics, it seemed like they were intent on pushing Peyton Royce. While she had a few moments, they never fully utilized her. She recently cut the promo of her career on RAW Talk, which led to an excellent match against Asuka where the Australian fell short.

Despite losing, it was a clear sign that she could have big things lying ahead of her. One thing it did show, for sure, is that she is an exceptional talent. One could argue that Peyton Royce is the biggest loss to WWE's Women's division and that they lost a potential future champion.

The WWE release may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Peyton Royce more than anybody, with speculation about a jump to AEW happening.

Edited by Alan John